2 c. sugar
1 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. buttermilk
1/4 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. pecans or walnuts

Combine sugar, soda, and buttermilk in a heavy 3 quart saucepan; place over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, just until mixture reaches the soft ball stage (234 degrees). Add butter and vanilla; beat until slightly thickened. Stir in pecans. Spread mixture in a buttered 9 inch square pan. Cool and cut into 1 1/2 inch squares. Yield: About 3 dozen squares.